180 gallon on a budget (at least trying)

[Reeferdeluxe]

I have been in the hobby for 15 years or so on and off. I had a 58 g. tank spring a leak on me lower bottom corner and had to make some quick decisions . Ended up with an aqueon 180 reef tank and metal stand. I had a crazy setup of lights 1 viparspectre and 1 current orbit.
Recently upgraded to Artic T247 ocean revives x3 which I have been slowly ramping up 50% blue 35% white. Running a curve 5 protein skimmer which i will end up needing to upgrade maybe a curve 7. But for now nitrates are at 2 ppm and staying. Also running a 800 watt hygger with a backup 250 watt heater. Running a lifegard 2200 which when it goes bad ill replace with a larger one. 2 koralia pumps one 850 and one 1350 with the controller and 1 jebao 0w-50. For a sump I have a skimz up21 way undersized but will have to do for now. And just hooked up trial period of jbj ato. Any way love the hobby I figured I would start a thread since I have been reading everyone elses.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Beautiful tank! Great size— so many ways you can go with your project. Enjoy!

 

[arctictwist]

Any updates? Im in CT as well. About to pick up a 180 myself.

 

[Reeferdeluxe]

Battling dinos now....added a 55 watt uv from a buddy and small dc jebao hopefully headed in the right direction.

 

[Reeferdeluxe]

Artictwist are you picking it up locally? Just wondering friend of mine is selling his shortly.

 

[arctictwist]

Haha, yea thats gonna be mine

 

[Reeferdeluxe]

Same tank as mine! Jgirardnrg is a good guy

 

[jgirardnrg]

Same tank as mine! Jgirardnrg is a good guy

Right back at you Josh

 

[Reeferdeluxe]

Sorry I have been dragging on this thread. I don't know where to begin on the latest here but I'll try to bring everything up too speed. Waaaay past dinos fingers crossed . My setup is still pretty bare bones. Lots of acros and mainly sps dominant. Just waiting for everything to start growing out now.

 

[Reeferdeluxe]

Missed some other photos for posterity